Centre library

We have a study centre at the Children’s hospital with an extensive collection of more than 1,000 books and articles relating to paediatric spiritual care, chaplaincy, palliative and bereavement care.

We welcome visitors to study at one of the centre's two desks but by advanced booking only. You would be able to access the library of books and articles and see all the resources that have been published under Red Balloon Resources. You are welcome to bring your own computer. Unfortunately, we are unable to loan books. Please contact us to check availability: bwc.cpsc@nhs.net.

The topics on which we have books are:

  • Resources for bereaved children and families
  • Child palliative care, end of life and bereavement
  • Clinical books
  • Ethics
  • General spirituality
  • Healthcare spirituality
  • Chaplaincy: multi-disciplinary
  • Multi faith and cultural
  • Palliative, end of life and bereavement
  • Spiritual care with children and young people
  • Supporting families
  • Staff support
  • Journals
  • Red Balloon resources

We have lists of resources for those with an interest in Paediatric Spiritual care. These resources are available at the Centre:

10 key books to read relating to spiritual care [pdf] 480KB

Dissertations and theses in paediatric spiritual care and related fields [pdf] 336KB 

A catalogue of book available in the Centre Library can be found here: https://books.google.co.uk/books?uid=105952297554321023979 (please note this list is not yet complete and will be continually updated)

We appreciate that not everyone has access to an academic library so are developing a list of useful open access articles. Most do not have a paediatric focus but offer an introduction to the area of spiritual care and spirituality more generally. There is not a wide range of literature on paediatric spiritual care which is easily accessible.

Accessible journal articles[pdf] 504KB

Resources in development

  • Wellbeing for staff: booklet and e-resources
  • Religious care pathways
  • Supporting families good practice manual
  • A book on paediatric chaplaincy, in collaboration with Mark Bartel and Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Our Chaplaincy Department and CPSC have produced a number of resources related to paediatric spirituality; these are available to buy on our books and leaflets page.